In The Age of Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence 

Just by readings this headline, some people got anxious. If not that, than what about angry or were you a member of the party who is crippled with terror as AI has silently crept its way into our lives? Could you possibly be among the minority, belonging to the group optimistic AI believers. Isn't it funny how two words can evoke such a variety of emotions in such a vast array of people? 

Artificial Intelligence, also known as AI, understood under a technological definition, is a set of tools designed to help people achieve an objective function; where the objective function can simply be companies making more money. These companies are in the business of collecting as much data as possible on users such as buying behavior, gender, sexuality, deepest secrets, any text you've sent, and every single action you've made online. It's scary to think, but AI often knows more about us than do about ourselves and especially it. Specifically, AI is what gives the ability of a computer, robot, or tech device to operate 'autonomously' from little to no human control. The tasks are programmed as an algorithm the computer or robot uses to complete tasks from a menial level to replacing the need for people to do work. Examples of AI one might find in the world extends from something as small as the Alexa to extending over any job looking for efficiency. As of now, AI is not able to think for itself or become aware. It requires human intelligence to create, program, and maintain operation to learn how to access situations and preform. However, all of that could change in the years to come. 

Personal Reaction to The Age of AI film

After viewing the PBS television documentary by Frontline, The Age of AI, I'm stuck in this toggle between acceptance and anarchy. On one hand, I could be hopeful that America and China will work together to use AI for good. Perhaps my life will be enhanced by AI so I can focus my attention on personal desires and things that bring me fulness to life rather than completing routine work I do not want to do. Maybe the AI industry will see how it could be better with strict privacy and safety regulations and trade transparency for the peoples trust. The cynic in me thinks all of this is sounds like one big load of gibberish (the only word I could come up with sub from sh*t). What if the other hand slaps everyone in the face for not putting a stop to AI sooner? What if all of the data companies have on me gets leaked or is available to the public for bidding like some type of storage war? A deeper question that the film brought to surface for me was, how do I feel about my privacy? Furthermore, what am I willing to sacrifice to keep it?  Truthfully, before this video, I had some background knowledge on AI. I mean how can you be a member of Generation X and not know about AI-it's everywhere. Still, I walked away from that film with takeaways that will influence how I live my digital life. For instance, when texting a friend I could stop the overdone use of explicit language or maybe cool it with the hyperboles since out of context, they could be incriminating! Also, I'll keep in mind that the information suggested to me-more like forced down my throat with all of these ads-is only reinforcing my bias or is changing my values to align with the company using the AI to collect data about me. With that said, I've learned that AI has the potential to improve humanity, will definitely destroy life as we know it because we don't know where it's going, and could easily adapt to being used for evil (aka war). 

The Global Superpowers of AI 

China-The Surveillance State

As oil is to Saudi Arabia, AI is to China; a grosely valuable resource that consumes the country and allows those with the deepest pockets and greatest power to control it all. An analogy that comes as no surprise for China, right? China uses AI in a drastically different way than the way Americans do. In China, it's about asserting power, controlling the public, and making the governments values everyone else's values too. Their use of AI is to amplify the the government's totalitarian control. With China's AI prefaced, let's transition to one of Americans' favorite topics-what the hell is China doing? To be blunt, they're about to beat us out in the progression of AI. In just a few years, China has become the second world super power of AI as it's on the way to being a state of total security. The Surveillance State is one of zero privacy for its people as AI is used to scan the country for signs of unrest. By scan I mean they literally use software to scan peoples faces to identify, track, and learn about them. What qualifies as unrest you might ask? To the Chinese government, unrest is anything that disrupts their agenda, image, or discredits their government in any way whatsoever through sharing secret information or acting out against them. known as the surveillance state. According to the film, in 2019 China deployed over six million cameras to achieve two goals: (1) enforce safety and (2) act as intimidation for the government (they're always watching). The Chinese government spending suggests to its people their use of AI is the future and there's no being, country, or act that could stop it. The Surveillance State has gone as far as using AI to detect which people are in need of political re-education and who is likely to commit treason or terrorism. 

Remember what I mentioned early about China using AI to enhance Xi Jinping's totalitarian control? Well, he's exported it to other regimes giving the Chinese government an idiotic amount of control and power leaving some to believe the Panopticon is here. The Belt and Road initiative only further extends their control but puts it outside of China's borders. It works like this; China gives business to countries in need or provides them with a resource they'd be grateful to have. They then offer to sell their AI tech (at a deducted price) and install them. Countries like Cambodia and Ecuador who saw China as a god send, soon became aware of its agenda-to watch over the entire world, collecting data as political leverage. This "Bamboo Curtain" directs countries selective attention to the positives of AI like innovation, wealth, and safety but it turn poses this rule of "IN-tentional"  blindness. Meaning, if you see something-don't worry about saying it, because we already know. 

What's America doing with AI?

Now that I've addressed the competition, let's talk about what's happening with AI on the homefront. It's almost like hating China has become part of Americans ways to prove you're a patriot and embrace nationalism. I think if you're only focusing attention on the wrongdoings or your competition, you're lying to yourself. Although not as blunt and forceful as China, America's AI is absolutely more grimey as it operates under the table, profiting from manipulation and deceit.

 "Surveillance capitalism claims private human experience as a free source of raw material            that's fabricated into predictions of human behavior to be sold to the highest bidder."

                                                        -Shoshana Zuboff, Harvard Business School Professor and                                                                      definitive Author of In the Age of the Smart Machine, 1988

Automation is the substitution of capital for labor. First on the docket, jobs. Will AI replace American jobs? Yes. AI tech companies phrase its impact as requiring the allocation of people from one sector (where the AI will come to take their job) to simply transitioning to another. Those people report they don't want AI to come in because losing a job means widespread job loss; no matter if they get moved from one sector to another, the robot is doing the work of many. These workers feel the tech companies promoting the use of their creation are lying and only want to speed up productivity to compete with China's automation and growth. Not everyone can be given a job when economic and operational efficiency is the goal. Donald Trump ran his campaign on the platform "Make America Great Again." One of the steps to do so was Trump bringing jobs back to the American people on America's soil.  Employment trends in middle America show automation has increased standard job loss by 15%-proving to be one heck of a silent killer (and I mean that literally). Sadly, studies show people are at higher risk for dying two decades after job loss (due to circumstances out of their control like outsourcing and automation) and children of those people have statistically lower educational attainment over their entire lifetimes. Many fear the future of AI, not its damage caused in the past. AI doesn't just affect the lower class, no-all jobs are vulnerable. Those in the finance sector, I'm talking to the people on Wall Street, day traders, investors, hedge fund managers, etc.-you're not safe. The inequality of opportunity is increasing as America loses its title, The Land of Opportunity. My country's appeal I'm afraid has gotten lost as the rich are getting richer while the poor get poorer; only this time the rich are comprised of the group of people who have their hands on AI technology (those who were already rich to afford it or those who created it) and the poor is comprised of the mass, also known as every other American operating outside of the AI cult. Will fear to get left in the past and the loss of America's nationalistic values held so dear and true to Americans, be the defining point in history where the country collectively stop caring about the right to privacy to stay ahead? We'll see. 

Techno Racism in AI

Another con of AI that has further divided the American people is racial bias encoded into the algorithm of AI. A mistake and unpredicted downside to AI as its creators put it, was discovered by Joy Buolamwin, known for her work uncovering the coded gaze and support for young women in STEM. Her cryptic words, "AI, Ain't I a Woman?" made the coding and social justice communities turn their attention to racial bias possessed by these machines. It happens like this-the coder of the AI posses unconscious biases (as well all do) and during the coding process, their biases seep through. This discounts what colors, shapes, features, and points of entry the code will pick up. Thus, some AI systems can pick up on fairer skin tones with similar features than darker complections with wider features because the autonomic bones of AI include errors in bed with bias. Racial Bias in AI has become a major issue in America as it encroaches upon minority populations cultural doctrine of equality.  Another con of AI that has further divided the American people. 

Privacy

Google, who gained an insane secret profit in 2000, went public in '04 of their revenue increase at 3,090% by selling users digital exhaust.  Digital exhaust is when a user leaves traces of their behavior online in data logs. It's used as a way to come up with fine grained predictions of what kind of ad a user would click on. Google was first to do so which led to their competitor, Facebook, jump in to casting their net out for data. When you search Google, it searches you too. 

The Cambridge Analytica case exposed Facebook for selling users personal data to third party sources. In this case we see how once our information is out there, it's up for grabs to anyone willing to pay the price. Even information we didn't know they had with our subtle scrolls, clicks, likes and much more-was also up for sale. Facebook claimed they can use cues in the online environment to change real world behavior-and in a way that bypasses the users awareness. How scary! This makes me think how recent elections have been impacted by those with this data and how they've used it to influence the results in their favor or for what they feel is right for the people (sounds like a God complex if you ask me). Afterall, behavioral prediction is about taking the uncertainty out of life thus making the human experience obsolete. 

The War of AI

As of now, America and China are split into two with where they're at in AI development, production, use, and response. The fear is soon, if not already, third world parties can choose who they want to go with for AI-creating one global power or worse, two who have to constantly contradict the other. 

America sees AI as this service in mankind. It makes the world adapt to you so you don't have to adapt to it. It does the jobs you don't want, but it also does the jobs thousands depend on for income and to support their way of life. It's supposed to have your safety and best interest at mind, but the companies who make it and own the data may not. China possesses the ability to monitor its people, those who have bought their AI products, and anywhere where their AI can reach. 

Hope for the people in the future of AI

Where there is change, there is hope. In 2018 a big step to change in privacy was passed- The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). This gives California residents "the right to know." Meaning, they can go to any tech company and ask what they've collected on them in the past twelve months including the right to say no to third party sources. This gives residents an opt out which alerts companies to not sell their information and to tell all other sites one visits thereafter. 

There's also hope for the two AI superpowers to join forces and collectively use it for good. AI at its best could be liberating for humans to allow us to do what we love-taking back our human experience. I'll leave you with this, Is temptation to use AI past its moral limits too great? I'll let you decide. 

EOTO-Netflix

Co Founders pictured

Hastings (Left), Randolph (Right)

History of Netflix

The independent global streaming platform, Netflix, has reached upwards of 214 million people. It's headquarters is located in Los Gatos, California where it lives with its over a hundred thousand titles and more than twice that in its subscribers. What once started out as a quick rental DVD mailing system soon took off to the momentous personalized streaming enterprise known as Netflix. 

Birthed from the minds of co founders Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph, Netflix continues to serve as a blueprint for success in entrepreneurship, communication, and media platforms. Hastings background is comprised of his hometown in Boston to as far as South Africa to cofounding Netflix. He was born in Boston and attended school in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He later set out for a career as a Marine Corps Officer when he realized it wasn't for him and decided to go into the Peace Corps to teach math in South Africa. After, he went onto attend Stanford University and earned a master's degree in computer science which landed him a job at a software company (he would later leave to start his own).  Randolph's story starts in Chappaqua, N.Y. in April of 1958. Randolph's life became full circle when his billion dollar idea grew from his experience at his first career in the mail-order department of a sheet music company. Hasting's and Randolph met at Pure Software, a start-up company founded by Hastings where the two would carpool to work every day together. Randolph walked away from the company as former CEO to dedicate his time to doing what he loves most: mentoring and investing in other entrepreneurs. *Small shameless plug for my school, High Point University, where Marc Randolph joined as our Entrepreneur in Residence and serves students through mentorships, extensive network, investments in student founded start-ups and tips for successful communication.* 

Founded in Santa Cruz County, California in 1997, Hastings says he came up with the idea after receiving a hefty fine for a movie rental that was overdue by six weeks to Blockbuster. Hastings claims he thought to himself why he has to make so many trips just for a movie he rented and if it was even worth it. However, Randolph doesn't credit Hastings to be the sole source for the idea to start the business and the two co founders have gone back and forth deciding who should be credited with what. Randolph is suggested to be the marketing brains whose idea went from diving into the e-commerce industry to build a business that mirrored Amazon.com, to fixating on a new Japanese invention, the DVD. After the two settled on the idea, Netflix took off. With time, Netflix introduced a personalized move suggestions webpage, flat subscription fees, its own productions, brand deals and partnerships with other big tech industry giants, and even a Netflix button placed on remote controls. The subscription-based streaming service proved to be an innovative service that allowed its subscribers to watch their favorite shows, movies, and specials but without any of the tiresome and annoying commercials. They've even deleted the need for internet access with all digital content available to be downloaded and watched from anywhere in the world.   

How-To

For those who don't know of Netflix, which that's hard to do with the companies annual advertising budget at 2.5 billion USD, let me provide a quick how to of working the system. The first step is to pay a visit to netflix.com/signup webpage linked to Netflix's general website. Next up is to choose the plan that's right for you. Plans start at $9.99 in the basic package to $15.99 per month as the Premium package. The three packages: basic, standard and premium include a variety of perks like viewing on multiple screens at once, 4K quality, and profiles per account. Then, create an account. All it takes is an email address and password. The last step is to enter a payment method that can accomodate the monthly charge upon the date you initially signed up for. After that, you can start to enjoy the limitless movies, short series, comedy special, documentaries and more Netflix has to offer. Enjoy!

The Impact 

Of course, without the pairing of the best technologies at the time, the DVD and Websites, Netflix wouldn't have turned into the big success story it is today. The streaming platform is in fact so well known for its ability to catapult unknown actors to overnight viral sensations that "The Netflix Effect" has become a well-known pipedream for undiscovered talent. This ability to do so can thank Netflix's millions of loyal fans who religiously take to the subscription based streaming service for new things to watch. The brand also chooses to produce stand-up shows, series, documentaries, and films using established Hollywood talent from Sandra Bullock to Ryan Reynolds. This method Netflix has of combining talents of all backgrounds has hooked its demographic causing a cascade effect of binge watching, antisocial behavior, and the need for constant content. A timeline of a lifetime has turned into a momentary blip in the vast history of communication in media. As a communications major, I'd like to reflect on the good, the bad, and the downright ugly impact Netflix has made thus far.

The Good

Netflix revolutionized the way consumers viewed content. Instead of relying on rental services for VHS tapes and relying on scheduled media, users can now forgo their cable bill, sign up to stream content instantly to their devices, and leave times of watching commercials long in the past. This streaming service sparked a movement in America of people cutting the cord on cable  to rely solely on streaming-subscription providers. A positive for Netflix aside from their billions in revenue-they sparked competition in the industry. 

Others saw what Hastings and Randolph did and mirrored the business plan for Netflix. This put a cap on how much Netflix is able to charge and took away their monopoly. Competitors include Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Peacock, and HBOMax. This industry sparked other indirect competitors to create live streaming platforms like Twitch and the ability to watch live air media like YouTube TV, Apple TV, and Roku. They have also entered the gaming industry with adding Next games at no extra cost to subscribers. Another positive impact is the diversity of ideas and inspiration for creativity Netflix has sparked in their platform and outside with creating The Hardship Fund during COVID-19. Their vast selection also provides cultural representation for minority communities coupled with foreign films/series. 

The Bad 

Netflix can absolutely reinforce a consumers bias through displaying repeated content. The personalized profile feature includes an algorithm designed to 'watch' the users activity on the platform and cater to their likes and dislikes accordingly. Some may believe this to be a complete invasion of their privacy. I'd say to those people-what privacy? Every like, tweet, picture, text, and phone call is already monitored. Netflix is simply trying to make the user experience as efficient and beneficial as they can. Still, Netflix tries to combat this through providing subsections like 'discover' or 'new selections' but isn't as effective as they'd hope. 

Theatres and blockbuster movies have seen a massive economic downturn; proving that Netflix is completely changing the future of movie theatres. Unlimited streaming that's available at any time, anywhere has captivated the younger generation and created a sociocultural phenomenon called 'bingers.' Bingers are those who watch Netflix for hours upon hours and have trouble completing normal daily tasks because their glued to the screen for the majority of the day. This causes a ripple effect of an increase in desirability of social isolation leading to a spike in depression. Those with a slightly smaller addiction in the twenties-to-forties demographic, still finds themselves wasting time watching Netflix or participating in 'Netflix-and-Chill' because of the streaming services instant availability offering a limitless selection of content to consume. Casual viewers may find Netflix to be too pricey for how much they use it and can take to other streaming platforms that are either more affordable to offer programs they're more interested in. 

The Ugly

The ugly truth starts at the beginning of Netflix's creation between co-founders Hastings and Randolph. The two were rumored to grow to hate each other, bicker about who should get the credit and who doesn't deserve the wealth coming their way to the point where Randolph left the company. Netflix is not the exception in media, meaning they all share some dark secrets too. The original idea to mail DVDs as a rental service left a deep mark on the earth's energy resources and increased pollutants by shipping, transporting, and sending back. However, after doing the math to figure out the energy intensity of their operations, Netflix made the transition with the times to impacting the internet and electricity. 

There's also a study published in the Journal of Industrial Ecology, that proves it's actually more efficient to ship DVD two-hundred miles away than it is to drive two-miles to a video store. Another ugly truth of Netflix is that users passwords aren't protected. Much like all technology, privacy is always a risk one must be willing to take. Outside of hackers getting login information (including payment method), there's another party who you might not want to have your password-the Ex. In a relationship, it's common in the US to oddly share one's Netflix password with their significant other and it's deemed as the true symbol of being in an adult relationship. What might seem as an affordable and sweet gesture, has the potential to turn into a nightmare of your Ex partner never logging out of your account. They have the power to delete your account, change personalized settings and alter the algorithm for recommendations, share your subscription information with anyone they'd like to, and essentially mooch off of you until you cancel your Netflix subscription. This creates a whole new layer to toxic relationships, but the user who owns the account does have the option to lose all of their hard work watching endless hours of Netflix to get the algorithm to suggest titles perfect for them and cancel their existing subscription just to create another one and start all over again. Although the algorithm is a powerful tool that reshaped the way people consume media, it can be a dangerous feature. By guiding users to view certain titles, the algorithm guides the beliefs and values of 214 million people. For example, the Netflix show "Squid Games" not only took Japan by storm, but it's influence extended to America, the UK, and most of South America-creating a mass that is more numb to violence and switches the cultural landscape to one that's automated rather than gained through experience. 

Changing Communication 

Since bringing their business to most of the world, the global streaming service which began in 2016 is now writing the playbook for global entertainment. By providing mass-market programming with local content, Netflix was able to flourish on an international level. This invention changed our world by adapting to the peoples wants and providing. This company started the viral industry of streaming. They've continued to fulfill requests and ideas investors and customers had proposed and with them came extreme success. Netflix has shown that adapting to where the technology is at and then improving on that stage of invention is the key to achievement. Now, we are able to view content instantly, from any device, and for however long we'd like. Netflix solved the problem/issue of having to go out and drive to a Blockbuster to then pay to rent a VHS tape (then later DVD) and drive back to the store when you were done with it-if not you'd pay a hefty fine. First with the DVD mailing system and then the revolutionary streaming idea, Netflix has solved this very problem. Netflix changed communication by making the tech industry even more prominent. 

What's Next?

As streaming no longer is impressive, Netflix must yet again adapt and provide. The streaming company plans to create more interactive storytelling features and subtly increase their basic package price to accomodate for a hit in revenue from all of the new competition. There's also been talk to bundle Netflix with another streaming platform, but the company fears its brand will get lost by sharing the spotlight. All in all, it's easy to say that Netflix isn't going away anytime soon. If it's not more in house productions or buying permanent streaming rights, it'll be something innovative the public hasn't thought of yet. Personally, I'm excited to see what else this industry titan of a company has to offer. 

8 Values of Free Expression

Dr. Smith's blog presents the eight values of free expression in an innovative and scholarly way. After bouncing ideas around in class, I've come to the conclusion that my number one value of free expression-just so happens to be number one on Dr. Smith's list. The Marketplace of Ideas, also known as Discovery of Truth by John Milton that suggests when truth and falsehood are allowed to freely grapple, truth will win out-it is the grappling that makes the truth even stronger. Of course Mill meant this value to be based on the metaphor of a market economy in a free exchange market where the people are rational consumers. To me, this value resembles almost a parent-child relationship to me. It's like the more a parent tells their child not to do something, the more they'll want to do it. Using society in place of the child and the government as the 'parent' makes this metaphor come to life in the eyes of policy. With this school of thought, values six and eight appear as subliminal messages. Placing strict regulations on people makes them feel inferior, thus coming back with a vengeance to push back twice more than before. When private sector social media companies like Twitter choose to delete or ban user accounts who violate their terms, like 45th President Donald Trump-people start to talk. Is it a violation of his first amendment right to free speech? Will Trump use his power to discredit Twitter? To answer these questions, no and you bet he tried. The knowledge from previous classes suggested the answer to this matter is state action doctrine. Since Twitter is a private sector, they're allowed to do so. Trump is also equally allowed to question Twitter and the lower court's decision by appealing his case to the Supreme Court but using certiorari, the court decided to throw out his case. Trying to silence Trump, only made him push back harder. Rather than shutting him down, Twitter could have used this idea to let the truth rise from false claims, when truth and falsehood are allowed to battle it out, truth will prevail. 

Values six, promoting tolerance tied to Lee Bollinger, revolves around this idea of not regulating speech under the first amendment right-freedom of speech, including hate speech-because of society's ability to act autonomous. Meaning, the people will take care of shaming, 'canceling', and condemning those who use hate speech. In fact, putting a law against hate speech would be unconstitutional due to prior restraint. By allowing someone to use ugly language, a more tolerant society could emerge. 

Value eight, protecting dissent with Steve Shiffrin says our system is a republic, not one of complete democracy. "Dissent" means to openly disagree with an official opinion or decision. The First Amendment protects all views, no matter how unpopular, so the people have a protected right to disagree with whomever they'd like-including the government. It's our patriotic duty to criticize the government because of our need to participate in the government. 

The Russo-Ukrainian war is the most recent example I can think of that Americans have taken to, criticizing the government and especially the current Biden administration. "Cancel-culture" is nothing new to this world but my generation has used it to shut down people for having opinions they do not agree with. In Media Law & Literacy, the class talked about far right Fox News host Tucker Carlson's controversial new Russian conspiracy theory. His claim, "Putin is really not all that bad" sent half of America into public uproar with his critique of the United State's actions with intervening in the Russo-Ukrainian conflict. This insentient need to bolster people who society agrees with and even turns them into icons of our generation while those who most disagree with are harassed on social media, fired from their jobs, or 'canceled'. Some people chose to go with the timeless jab "If you hate the government so much, then why don't you just go and join Putin." I mean wow. Just because someone shared their belief and disagreed with the government (which is their patriotic duty to do so by the way), we should tell them to leave the country and join Putin? I don't think so.  It seems the cancel culture cult has forgotten it's the people's right to free speech under the first amendment. Meaning even those who they disagree with are allowed to broadcast their message whenever and to whomever they'd like. 

SCOTUS

The Supreme Court of the United States goes by a few names like 'SCOTUS', 'the ultimate check and balance' or 'the most powerful judicial branch in the world'; it's there to serve the American people  as the highest federal court.  

Samuel Chase 
The Supreme Court's Rule Breaker

Did you know that nowhere in the constitution does it state qualifications for Supreme Court (SC) Justices or how long they can hold on to their seat? I sure didn't. I find it quite odd that the American President can serve a maximum of two terms if re-elected (eight years total)-but SC Justices get to serve until death, retirement, or impeachment; let's just say whichever one comes first? With over a hundred Judges, the average Supreme Court judge will serve sixteen years. It turns out, the constitution, the document that serves as a basis for American democracy, refers to the Good Behavior Clause which only states judges (Supreme and inferior courts) "shall hold their offices during good behavior"-meaning, the only way out is impeachment. The most unique case involved the impeachment of Samuel Chase (1804-1805) for rejecting the dismissal of biased jurors and restricted defense witnesses in partisan related delicate cases; when in fact, the foundation of the Supreme Court is to have independence and impartiality while safeguarding liberty, preserving the union, and upholding the rule of law.  

Thomas Jefferson's Sweet Ride in 1790

Despite the shock of only a single associate justice being impeached in all of SCOTUS' history, there was still one more surprise in the insightful Supreme Court article. The most surprising thing I learned, up until 1891, was that it's the justice's duty to hold circuit court twice a year in each judicial circuit. Picture this, it's February 1, 1790, and the Supreme Court is about to assemble for the first time at the Merchants Exchange Building in NYC, NY. You're nervous, excited, and frustrated all at once because a couple of judges have failed to show up. You get word that the circuit court has been postponed because some of the justices' had transportation issues. I guess their horse wouldn't kick? Sorry for the spoiler but it's been 232 years-you've had time to research it on your own. It amazes me that despite the primitive transportation, long travel hours, and inclement weather this grueling task continued for so long. 

FDR 1937 SCOTUS Opposition to Packing Plan

An interesting fact about the Supreme Court is that since 1869 under former President Ulysses S. Grant, approved by Congress, there have been nine seats. Some Presidents in the past have added a tenth seat, under Congress, and filled it with the supreme court justice of 'their' choice to ensure the court supported their proposal, like Lincoln in 1863. Nine justices mean an odd number of votes, extinguishing the chance for a perfect split vote where the court is in a divided house. It's important to note the first court only had six justices (Judiciary Act-two justices per region) and has gone through a series of trials and errors in the number of seats Congress allowed with a low of five to a high of ten! To be appointed, the President must nominate a potential justice which is then followed by a final vote in the Senate where the majority wins. There have only been five people in history who have received no votes for the U.S. Supreme Court. Surprising? Maybe. What's even more so and possibly irresponsible is that our Constitution doesn't list qualifications for a new justice which leaves nomination requirements ever-changing in the eye of the nominator and confirmer. 

"Notorious RBG"

The most important take-away point about the Supreme Court is their  distinction in power between the President and a Senator. Rather than being able to change something because they believe it's wrong or desires to be an advocate for its fix, Justices must wait for the people to bring their problems to the courts. It is through a case where change can be made-not the other way around. I also believe Former Associate  Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg made a key point in her interview. Ginsburg dictates how the phrase "We the people" has evolved from being composed of a was composed of a very small part of people who illustrated no woman could vote and most people were held in bondage. Also, Native Americans were not treated as citizens of equal stature and dignity so these people do not count. Today, "We the people" of our Constitution embraces those who it did and didn't at the start. I love this point because it suggests the interpretation of the Constitution Ginsburg takes. She chose to uphold its written word but admire how far the Constitution has come to include all people. To embrace the people for all of those who compromise the people.  

I originally believed the Supreme Court to be what some people strive for as their end goal, final destination, or most distinguished honor. After watching the SCOTUS History video and the Supreme Court videos my belief has since changed. As it turns out, some have said being appointed to the Supreme Court is equivalent to being struck by lightning. 

"We are quiet but it is the quiet of a storm center"-Oliver Wendell Holmes 

Also, I believed the Supreme Court sometimes dismissed cases too quickly or didn't give equal consideration during the process for granting or denying certiorari. Perhaps times have changed but as far as Former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, Sandra Day O'Connor is considered, she believed what makes the US Supreme Court so remarkable is that process, every petition, whether filed by high priced counsel or whether it's written by some prisoner sitting in jail someplace in his own hand, gets the same individual consideration. The U.S. Supreme Court is in fact one of integrity and competence. As Americans, we should trust in this system and our appointed justices-but not hesitate to question, dig deeper, or protest the entirety of this judicial body. It is "We the people" who get the last word. For every time 'we' amend the Constitution it's about 'We the people' interpreting the Constitution. 

Top 5 Sources of News and Information

In today's day and age, it's easier than ever to get information on pretty much anything and everything. With the internet providing instant answers for peoples beckoning questions, the news reporting stories 24/7, and the ability to share one's thoughts with those looking to listen, misinformation has never been greater. This is why it's important to use a variety of credible sources that communicate information transparently, accurately, and represent multiple point of views. As a college student, it's important to be aware of what's going on since I'm a part of the generation who's raised to actually do something about it. That being said, I look for sources who can provide me with a quick run down on current events so I have time to investigate further and come to a conclusion through evaluating all of the information from multiple sources. I tend to sway towards digital and broadcast media for my news since I always have access to a phone or laptop to access information. I'm always open to another opinion, side of the story, or platform to get news from. The following sources are my current top sources of news and information. 

Google News is what I turn to first for information. It reports the most current news, is easily accessible, and has changeable settings to filter news based on where one would fall in market segmentation. With Google News, information is plentiful, organized, and credible. Also, I can easily share articles, videos, or interviews with friends. The database includes gadgets like fact check, an in-depth option to go past the headlines, displays the weather based on current location, spotlight articles, trending news, includes content and branding control, and has forty-one language options. I also like Google News because it gives the user access to multiple channels of media. I would recommend this platform as a first round source for information because it's efficient, user friendly (can access via app or webpage), promotes information from a diverse population of publishers (CNN, FOX, smaller reporters, on-site journalists, etc.) and allows me to personalize content. 

BBC World News is a global television (stems from BBC News) network that communicates international information in English to its audience. I like BBC when I want to learn about international news and to get a point of view other than American. Being the most popular television news network, it also has a site where users can browse the selection to find news that interests them. The site also includes links to live feeds of current events allowing the viewer/reader to feel like they're getting the information first hand and podcasts. With BBC World News I'm able to search information regarding technology, sports, worklife, War, etc. from countries including Europe, Asia, Australia, US & Canada and more. To me, this source helps bridge the communication gap between countries by providing the same stories to different people all over the world. When I'm talking with family in India about a matter outside both of our regions, like the crisis in the Ukraine, I often refer them to BBC World News articles because of the access, continuity in info, and clarity in delivery.  This way they're able to read articles to understand where I got the information, decide how they feel, and refer me to stories where I can see how they got to their conclusion. BBC World News is a great source to use with the international English speaking geodemographic (18 and up) who is able to access the broadcast or webpage and is interested in global matters. 

Twitter was a personal favorite of mine when former President Donald Trump frequently took to the trendy online news and social media app to expose the media, share unfiltered thoughts, and inform the American public about whatever he felt like sharing. Users can send (aka "tweet") out short messages up to 280 characters, memes, and share clips/links as they wish, so long as there's a strong signal for internet access. Twitter also allows users to report accounts with disturbing or incorrect information and even has the power to ban or block certain accounts and posts. Twitter allows people to connect and share information with a massive audience. With Twitter, what news you get is up to who you follow, what they post, and what messages the algorithm chooses to send to reinforce what you're seeing. I think Twitter gets a bad rep for being childish or unprofessional when it actually can be a great source for prominent people (or not) to be transparent and personal with their following-allowing a direct channel for the flow of information. I'd recommend Twitter for the person who likes to interact on a more personal level online, follow small-to-big time influencers, and are heavy users of social media. 

Associated Press, founded in 1846, is a historic independent global news agency who reports information that is unbiased, accurate, and interesting to its target audience. In the Associated Press, journalists they publish are known to be more credible because of the requirement to cite all of their dependable sources used. This news agency also has content available in multiple formats such as videos, articles (written by their vetted journalists), photographs (most taken by the AP agency), websites, and streams. For politics I tend to fact check other news stations or reporters using Associated Press because of their neutral take. One may ask, how can they be so "unbiased" if their a news station? I'd answer with Associated Press being an independent non-profit. Donors and sponsors of the agency do not have influence over the company's endeavors-their input into what news is published or covered is minimal and much less than bigger broadcast news stations like CNN or FOX. This news agency also has a website viewers can go to with recorded news segments to watch and separates themselves from the competition with a section called "listen" that's linked to AP Radio's hourly updates. 

There's also a "Top Stories" section that pulls from new stories all over the world. They also feature stories by people living in the area of topic or on site journalists so the audience knows what's going on from a primary sources point of view. Articles that are republished are fact checked as this news source prides themselves on providing information transparently and reporting with honesty on a global scale. This agency also has social media accounts to stay relevant and reach their mass audience across various platforms. I would strongly recommend Associated Press to the person who's looking for the facts rather than information to reinforce their bias and beliefs. I encourage everyone to check out their website if you haven't already. It's super easy to use and is well organized in segments like U.S. news, world news, entertainment, AP Investigations, climate and more. Their audience reach is extensive as they report more than half the world sees news by the Associated Press everyday with their team in over 250 locations worldwide to get information. This company reports information that's for the people's benefit, to create awareness, and provide an unbiased report of it all. 

National Public Radio, better known as its acronym NPR, is an American non profit media organization  founded in 1970. Voiced by Guy Raz, NPR delivers breaking news, information about cultures, podcasts, music, satirical cartoons/comics, and shows. It's also available to access through the app, radio station, socials, and website. I find NPR to be entertaining and it's content easy to understand. This source is for the person who would rather listen to their news than read about it. However, NPR's webpage does feature all of its media, including its extensive collection of news articles covering topics from 44th U.S. President Obama testing positive for the coronavirus to NFL quarterback Tom Brady coming out of retirement. NPR is a great community builder and has newsletters, social media groups, and a tab called 'getting involved with NPR' to connect and interact with its audience. Their mission is to create a more informed American public as they use a web of local networks to cover stories from the local to national to global level. 

Getting to Know Me

Hi everyone, my name is Sophia and welcome to my first blog post. 

I was born in Washington, D.C. and shortly after moved to Prince Frederick, Maryland where I was raised with my four siblings. As the oldest of four, I'm usually the one to command the room or try and stop chaos from ensuing. To two parents from California, Maryland was quite a shock, but alas they chose to stay. I live in Calvert County, MD and attended Calvert High School where I graduated as valedictorian and senior class president. I grew up swimming, volunteering, and traveling. My most recent adventure was over break to Mumbai, India where I spent time with my Parsi mother's side of the family. I'm classically trained in the violin, but enjoy all types of music in addition to classical. At home I like to spend time with my family at our Canal House, go on runs (with my definitely not purebred dog), and attend concerts put on by the local Calvert Marine Museum. 

Currently, I'm a sophomore at High Point University, the tokened premiere life skills school where we pay a hefty price but enjoy the lavish luxuries on campus like fountains, gardens, and our President Nido Quebin. My major is a tough one to get into-solely because I'm still not quite sure what I'm doing. Yes, I'm an undeclared second semester sophomore. For those who didn't wince as soon as they read that let me translate. Usually, it's encouraged to start college off as undeclared major if one is not a hundred percent sure what they want to do in life-for most people that's the case. However, after High Point students spend their first year meeting with success coaches, career and professional development office, and take a couple undergraduate courses-they figure it out. Despite using these resources and taking every undergrad requirement necessary, I still can't commit. To be honest, I've just so happen to take a lot of the communications classes so I'll most likely major in this lengthy titled degree: Advertising, Public Relations, and Strategic Communication. I'm also three classes short from getting a minor in environmental science so that could be in the works. Stay tuned to find out. 

With that being said, one might assume I do not give much effort in these meaningless classes since I don't have a major. It's actually just the opposite. In my classes I tend to focus on detailed note taking, being attentive to the lecture, and helping classmates. I enjoy working in teams and I learn best The focus of my studies here is to improve my writing, speaking, and widening my breadth of knowledge on anything I possibly can. I'm on the Executive Consuel for Spanish club, a Leadership Fellow, and a Presidential Scholar. Outside of the classroom I work as an event server and hostess in the 1923 Bistro at the Emerywood High Point Country Club, private since 1923. 

After HPU undergrad, I plan on getting my masters in Communication and Business Leadership-from there, who knows. I'd like to think I'd be working for a company as a social brand communicator or traveling for my work. Ideally, I'd like to live outside the United States and move to Spain or Singapore.